Comparison

Universal Smart Remote for TV vs TV Remote

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Universal Smart Remote for TV

Transform your iPhone into a comprehensive smart TV remote. Easily control playback, navigate menus with a touchpad, and launch apps with a single tap. Stream content and mirror your screen wirelessly.

Highlights
  • Full D-pad, volume, channel, and playback controls
  • Touchpad navigation
  • Keyboard input for text entry
  • One-tap app launching
  • Screen mirroring and content sharing
  • Siri Shortcuts integration
Features
Read full description

Your iPhone is the only remote you need. Universal Smart Remote turns your phone into a full-featured TV controller — just connect to the same Wi-Fi and you're good to go. No dongles, no IR blasters, no setup headaches. Works with Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Roku, and Philips. WHAT YOU CAN DO - Use a full d-pad, volume, channel, and playback controls - Navigate with a touchpad — just like a laptop trackpad - Type with your keyboard instead of clicking one letter at a time - Launch Netflix, YouTube, and other apps in one tap WORKS WITH YOUR TV Samsung — Every Smart TV from 2010 to 2026. Crystal UHD, QLED, Neo QLED, The Frame — all supported. LG — All WebOS TVs and Netcast TVs (2012-2013). Sony — Android TV and Google TV models. TCL — All Roku-powered TCL TVs. Roku — All Roku TVs and streaming devices. Philips — Android TV models. HOW IT WORKS 1. Connect your iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi 2. Open the app — your TV shows up automatically 3. Tap to connect. Done. The app remembers your last TV and reconnects automatically next time. --- Requires iOS 18.0 or later. Universal Smart Remote is not affiliated with Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Roku, or Philips. Keyboard input may not work in some streaming apps. Subscription Information: Payment will be charged to your Apple Account within 24 hours prior to the end of the free trial period. Subscriptions renew automatically unless turned off at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage subscriptions in Account Settings. Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited upon subscription. Privacy Policy: https://www.tinacinc.com/SmartRemote/privacy_policy.html Terms of Use: https://www.tinacinc.com/SmartRemote/terms_of_conditions.html

About

TV Remote

Transform your smartphone into a universal remote for smart TVs and streaming devices. Control channels, volume, and apps with a familiar interface. Cast media and mirror your screen for a seamless entertainment experience.

Highlights
  • Universal smart TV control
  • App launching and navigation
  • Media casting (photos, videos)
  • Screen mirroring
  • Control soundbars and consoles
  • Intuitive interface
Features
Read full description

TV Remote – The Ultimate Smart TV Controller in Your Pocket Say goodbye to juggling multiple remotes and take full control of your entertainment experience with TV Remote. This powerful app transforms your smartphone into a fully functional remote control for your smart TVs, streaming devices, and more. Whether you're changing channels, adjusting the volume, or launching your favorite apps like Netflix or YouTube, everything you need is just a tap away. TV Remote is designed to offer fast, reliable, and intuitive control without the hassle of batteries or complicated setups. With a clean interface that mirrors the traditional remote experience, plus extra smart features, it’s everything you need—right in your pocket. ** Complete Control of Your Entertainment Setup ** - Works seamlessly with smart TVs and other connected devices - Connects instantly when your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network - Eliminates the need for physical remotes and batteries - Compatible with a wide range of brands and streaming platforms - Navigate inputs, switch channels, adjust sound, and more - Supports control for soundbars, cable boxes, and game consoles ** Smart Features Made for Convenience ** - Realistic button layout for a familiar and easy-to-use interface - Quick access to popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more - Launch, pause, skip, and rewind content with simple on-screen controls - Manage all your devices in one app for a clutter-free setup ** Share and Display Media on the Big Screen ** - Cast your photos and videos directly to your TV screen - View content in high resolution for a better viewing experience - Great for showing vacation pictures, home videos, or personal projects ** Screen Mirroring Made Simple ** - Mirror your phone screen to your TV for presentations, browsing, or multitasking - Enjoy greater control with a larger display - Ideal for sharing content or navigating apps together No More Remotes. Just One App. TV Remote is your reliable, all-in-one remote control alternative. Say goodbye to searching under cushions and buying new batteries. Whether you're watching movies, gaming, or streaming music, this app keeps you in full control from anywhere in the room. Subscription and Payment Information - Payment will be charged to your iTunes account after confirmation of purchase. - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. - You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings. Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Privacy Policy: https://zipoapps.com/tvremoteios/privacy Terms of Use: https://zipoapps.com/tvremoteios/terms

Screenshots

Universal Smart Remote for TV4 screens
TV Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: TV Remote at 4.5 against Universal Smart Remote for TV's 3.5. TV Remote also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks) and review sentiment (53% vs 38%). Universal Smart Remote for TV's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Universal Smart Remote for TV sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and TV Remote sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TV Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 580 and 564 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of Universal Smart Remote for TV's written reviews are positive against 53% of TV Remote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Universal Smart Remote for TV ships an update every 6 weeks, TV Remote every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Universal Smart Remote for TV versus TV Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversal Smart Remote for TVTV Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (580 ratings)4.5 (564 ratings) — better
Positive reviews37.5% of reviews53.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings580 — better564
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.016.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB144 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTINAC Inc.ZipoApps

Customer experience

Universal Smart Remote for TV

All ratings579 ratings
Positive59.8%
Neutral6.0%
Negative34.2%
Written reviews144 reviews
Positive37.5%
Neutral9.7%
Negative52.8%

TV Remote

All ratings564 ratings
Positive85.3%
Neutral4.6%
Negative10.1%
Written reviews73 reviews
Positive53.4%
Neutral5.5%
Negative41.1%

User reviews

Universal Smart Remote for TV

From 580 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Works well
  • 🚀 Cheap compared to other apps
  • 🚀 Convenient to have on phone

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent disconnections
  • 🐛 Glitchy/unreliable
  • 🔒 Requires payment for full functionality
  • 🐛 Buttons/navigation not working as expected

TV Remote

From 564 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 User-friendly app
  • 🚀 Convenient to use
  • ✨ Works well as a remote
  • 💡 Useful when remote is broken

Room to improve

  • 💰 Expensive subscription
  • 🔒 Paywall restricts features
  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
  • 🤔 Unclear free trial terms

Bugs and requests

Universal Smart Remote for TV

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Doesn't connect to TV
  • Stops working after some time
  • Buttons/navigation not responsive

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add volume control
  • Improve app stability and reliability
  • Allow full functionality without payment

TV Remote

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App doesn't work with certain TV models
  • Subscription issues (unable to cancel, etc.)
  • Frequent crashes and freezes

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add support for more TV brands
  • Improve subscription management
  • Provide a one-time purchase option

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Universal Smart Remote for TV

Subscriptions3
  • Full Access(Weekly)$0.997 Days
  • Full Access(Monthly)$2.991 Month
  • Full Access(Yearly)3 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time2
  • Pro Features$4.99
  • Full Access(Lifetime)$24.99
17 purchases

TV Remote

Subscriptions17
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$2.997 Days
Show 14 more
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • TV Remote ◦ Universal Control$4.997 Days
  • TV Remote ◦ Universal Control3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$8.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Smart, Universal TV Remote$14.991 Month
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial2 variants$19.991 Month
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial2 variants$29.991 Month
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Universal Smart Remote for TV free?
Universal Smart Remote for TV is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TV Remote free?
TV Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Universal Smart Remote for TV or TV Remote?
TV Remote is rated higher. Universal Smart Remote for TV averages 3.5 out of 5 from 580 ratings, while TV Remote averages 4.5 from 564 ratings.
Do Universal Smart Remote for TV or TV Remote have ads?
TV Remote shows ads; Universal Smart Remote for TV does not.
Which is updated more often, Universal Smart Remote for TV or TV Remote?
Universal Smart Remote for TV ships an update every 6 weeks, and TV Remote every 2 weeks. Most recently, Universal Smart Remote for TV was updated on October 29, 2026 and TV Remote on October 22, 2026.

Other comparisons